Radiocarpal Joint

Question 1

Between which bones does articulation occur at the wrist?

Answer 1

The radius articulates with scaphoid, lunate and triquetrium.

Question 2

State the difference in magnitude of radial and ulnar abduction and state why this is the case.

Answer 2

There is much greater ulnar abduction than radial and this is due to the fact that the styloid process of the radius is far greater in size than the the ulnar styloid process.

Question 3

What are the roles of the palmar and dorsal radio carpal ligaments?

Answer 3

The palmar radio carpal ligament ensures that the hand follows the radius in supination and the dorsal radio carpal ligament ensures that the hand follows the radius in pronation

Question 4

Name the four ligaments found in the radio carpal joint.

Answer 4

Ulnar and radial collateral ligaments, palmar and dorsal radiocarpal ligaments.

Question 5

What causes a Colles fracture and how does it present?

Answer 5

This is when a wrist is fallen on in extension and there is posterior dislocation of the distal fragments.

Question 6

What fracture occurs when a wrist is fallen on in flexion?

Answer 6

Smiths fracture. This leads to anterior dislocation of the distal fragments.

Question 7

What is pain in the anatomical snuffbox an indicator of?

Answer 7

This is an indicator of scaphoid fracture

Question 8

Explain why scaphoid fracture can have serious complications.

Answer 8

The scaphoid bone is surrounded by other bone and so the majority of its surface is articulating surface and there is very minimal connective tissue attachment. This means it has a poor blood supply and is very susceptible to avascular necrosis.